Researchers call out for international graduates on post-study work visa in Australia

DO you think the current post-study work visa increases your chance of employment in Australia? What do you think can be done to improve your post-study experience? Trinh Le reports on a new research project about the employability of international graduates.

Photo: Creative Commons

From an employer’s perspectives, one’s visa condition can become a determining factor when a fresh graduate is considered for a position.

With the introduction of the post-study work visa (subclass 485) in 2013, international students in Australia can now work full-time for up to four years after they graduate.

But has this new post-study work visa made it easier for international students to join the Australian workforce?

A group of researchers from Deakin University and the University of Adelaide are determined to find out just that and are asking former international students on a post-study work visa (subclass 485) or those who’ve previously held this visa, to contribute to their research.

The researchers would like to hear your insights on what contributes to the employability of international graduates, and what can be done in order to improve the post-study experiences of international students.

Your thoughts may help inform government policy and university practices in providing effective support for international graduates in securing job in their field of interest.

The interview will be conducted through a short and friendly 30-minute conversation in person, over the phone or via Skype. Some of the questions include:

What is your employment status at the moment?

Is your current job in your chosen field of study?

How long have you been on the post-study work visa?

Do you think whether the post study visa arrangements would assist international graduates to find full time employment in Australia?

What are the issues or challenges that we need to understand in order to improve the post-study experiences of international students?

Have you got any suggestions for the government and institutions to improve the post-study employment outcomes for international graduates?

The research does not require any personal information. Your identity, institution and organisation will be kept anonymous.

If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts and wish to make a difference for future students, please get in touch with Mark Rahimi (m.rahimi@deakin.edu.au) or Xuan Thu Dang (e-mail: xuan.dang@deakin.edu.au | phone: 04 3242 6885).